You may think that ending your life is the only
solution. If you feel this way, you're not alone. Many people with PTSD have
thoughts about suicide. PTSD symptoms, such as having
stressful memories of your trauma, may put you at a higher risk.1

If you have thoughts about suicide, there are ways you can
get help. Talking to someone can help you see that there are other solutions.
Tell a doctor, clergy member, friend, or family member how you feel, and talk
to your doctor about counseling or medicines that can help you. Getting
treatment right away can help prevent suicide.

Warning signs
include:

Planning to hurt yourself or someone
else.

Talking or thinking a lot about killing
yourself.

Having a weapon that could be used for killing
yourself.

Taking a lot of drugs or alcohol.

Feeling
like you're not in control of your thoughts.

Spending a lot of time
alone.

Giving away your possessions.

Writing or drawing
about death or suicide.

Hearing voices that tell you to harm
yourself.

If you think your spouse or a loved one is at risk for
suicide:

Learn the warning signs listed above. Take these signs
seriously.

Talk to your loved one as openly as possible. Ask
questions and listen. Be supportive and caring.

Find out if he or
she has a specific plan about suicide.

Remove things that could be
used for suicide, such as a gun or knife.

If you have warning signs of suicide, go to the hospital, call 911, or call a suicide hotline (1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255) now.

If your loved one is planning to attempt suicide, call a suicide hotline or 911, or take your loved one to the hospital. Try to get him or her to agree
not to attempt suicide.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (2012). Suicide and PTSD. A National Center for PTSD fact sheet. Available online: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/ptsd-suicide.asp.

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How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.